Publications

Help prevent the spread of ANS

Preventing the introduction and spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) is critical to protecting water resources! ANS are a significant and rapidly growing threat to Colorado’s water supply and to boating and fishing recreation. ANS are invasive animals, plants, and disease-causing pathogens that are “out of place” in Colorado’s reservoirs, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. Learn more.

Invasive species are plants, animals, insects or diseases that are not native to Colorado and have harmful negative effects on the economy and environment. They are introduced accidentally or intentionally outside of their native range. Learn how you can stop invasive species.

Some wakeboard boats, ski boats, and sailboats have ballast tanks which are filled with water to stabilize the boat and allow them to ride lower in the water. Many ballast tanks can’t be visually checked, and many cannot be fully drained. Even a few gallons of water from another reservoir could contain thousands to millions of microscopic zebra or quagga mussel larvae or other Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)!

Unknowingly moving a species from one body of water to another, even within different stretches of the same river, can start a domino effect of invasion, causing irreversible ecological damage. It is especially important to keep waders clean.

Divers can unintentionally spread freshwater aquatic nuisance species (ANS) from one body of water to another on their scuba diving gear. Some ANS larvae are invisible to the naked eye and can survive hours to weeks on wet scuba gear or in water inside equipment. Learn how you can help prevent the spread of ANS when you scuba dive.

ANS have harmful effects on natural resources, water supply systems, and recreational opportunities. Once introduced, most invasive species cannot be eradicated and cost millions of dollars to manage. Preventing the introduction and spread of ANS is critical!

For Inspectors

The purpose of the manual is to provide standard containment protocols across jurisdictions within Colorado and potentially across the West. This Manual details the watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) containment procedures to contain and prevent the overland spread of aquatic nuisance species.

The purpose of this workbook is to provide consistent guidance to State of Colorado Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Trainers who are responsible for certification of individuals as Authorized Agents for the purpose of ANS Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination. It is of the highest importance that Authorized Locations within Colorado are implemented and operated in a consistent fashion.

More

Learn more about the Daphina waterflea, native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. Like invasive mussels, the Bythotrephes and Ceropagis were introduced into the Great Lakes from ships' ballast water coming from Eurasia.

Read the Colorado Zebra/Quagga Mussel Management Plan (ZQM Plan), which outlines a statewide collaborative effort to detect, contain, and substantially reduce the risk of the spread and further infestation by zebra/quagga mussels in Colorado.

The purpose of Uniform Minimum Protocols and Standards for Inspection and Decontamination Programs for Dreissenid Mussels in the Western United States (UMPS III) is to 1) provide the best possible recommendations for watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) programs and 2) to provide the best standards, practical science and technology currently available for WID program consistency.